Footlet as well as method for manufacturing such a footlet

ABSTRACT

A footlet provided with a part manufactured on an apparatus for reciprocating knitting by knitting. The part comprises a ring-shaped opening limited by an edge and an elastic strip extending along the edge of the opening. The elastic strip comprises an elastic tape attached to the edge of the knitted part by an adhesive. During applying the elastic strip the knitted part of the ring-shaped opening is cut off at least partly along the edge so that a lateral side of the elastic strip almost coincides with a lateral side of the edge of the ring-shaped opening.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a footlet provided with a part manufactured by knitting on an apparatus for reciprocating knitting that includes a ring-shaped opening delimited by an edge and comprises an elastic strip that extends along the edge of the opening.

The invention also relates to a method for fabricating such a footlet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A footlet known from WO2008072048A1 is used for partial coverage of the foot of a person. The footlet in use extends over the heel, the lower side of the foot and over the toes. A middle part also extends slightly along the lateral sides of the foot. A large part of the upper side of the foot is not covered by the footlet. When wearing partly open shoes, the footlet is hidden from the view and the footlet affords the wearer a comfortable feeling. Because the footlet is seamless, there are no seams that can cause undesired pressure marks on the foot. The toe part and the heel part are provided with a relatively small elastic strip. The heel part is pressured against the heel of the person by the elastic strip and the footlet remains firmly around the foot of the person.

In contrast tot ordinary socks and stockings that are usually made for each shoe size or two shoe sizes, footlets are usually made in only two or three sizes. The advantage is that in a shop the shelf space needed is limited and the supply management easy. As a result the footlets need to be suitable for a relative large range of foot sizes, the footlet needing to fit comfortably at each foot size.

A disadvantage of the known footlet is that the footlet is worn by persons with different foot sizes and for persons with a relatively large foot, the relatively narrow and only on the toe part and the heel part provided elastic strip presses with relatively large power on the foot as a result of which the elastic strip can be felt as pressing. By persons with a relatively small foot when there is not enough power by the elastic strip on the foot, there is the risk that the footlet shifts off the foot. A further disadvantage of the relatively narrow elastic strip is that it tends to curl up with the knitted part, which is experienced as irritating.

Although it is possible to knit the elastic strip directly when knitting the footlet on an apparatus for reciprocating knitting, it is also common to stitch the elastic strip in a separate process to the knitted part after manufacturing the knitted part. This demands an extra manufacturing step. It is also possible to manufacture the footlet on an apparatus for reciprocating knitting after which at least at the toe part a by reciprocating knitting knitted tubular part is closed by stitching.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention intends to provide an easy to manufacture footlet, the footlet remaining in use firmly in contact with the foot.

This object is achieved with the footlet according to the invention in that the elastic strip comprises an elastic tape attached to the edge of the knitted part by an adhesive, the knitted part during applying of the elastic strip being cut off at least partly along the edge of the ring-shaped opening so that a lateral side of the elastic strip almost coincides with a lateral side of the edge of the ring-shaped opening.

Fasten the elastic strip by an adhesive to the edge of the knitted part is relatively easy, the cutting of the knitted part can be performed immediately before, during or immediately after applying the elastic strip. By cutting off the knitted part during applying the elastic strip on the edge of the ring-shaped opening, it is possible to apply the elastic strip and to cut off the knitted part along the edge at the same time in one single apparatus. Thereby the elastic strip is quickly and accurately applied.

If first the knitted part would be cut off and only later in another apparatus the elastic strip would be applied, the edge of the opening needs to be aligned accurately with respect to the elastic strip, to be sure that the elastic strip coincides over the entire length thereof with a lateral side of the edge of the ring-shaped opening or on a same relatively short distance of some millimetres. This problem is prevented with the footlet according to the invention in that in one apparatus an apparatus for applying the elastic strip and a cutting apparatus for cutting off the edge are aligned with reference to each other. First cutting off the knitted part and only later applying the elastic strip further has the disadvantage that herewith the risk exists that in the time between the cutting off on the one apparatus and the applying of the elastic strip in the other apparatus, the knitted footlet falls apart along the cut off edge. Also this problem is prevented with the footlet according to the invention. Due to the coinciding of or the constant distance between the elastic strip and the cut off edge it is visible in the footlet, that at the same time the elastic strip has been applied and the knitted part has been cut off.

Because the lateral side of the edge and the lateral side of the elastic strip almost coincide a finished appearance is established. Because the elastic strip is attached to the cut edge of the knitted part by an adhesive, the elastic strip prevents the knitted cut part from falling apart and unravelling.

Although the edge limiting the ring-shaped opening is endless it does not form a ring with a constant diameter like with a knee-sock, the edge extending around the leg of the person.

Applying the elastic strip on the edge happens gradually first attaching a first end of the elastic strip on the edge, after which the rest of the strip is attached until finally the other second end is attached to the edge.

It is noted that from KR101599276B1 a product is know, that is composed from two plain and flat layers attached to each other along the circumference, one layer provided with an opening. On the plain knitted layer provided with an opening a silicone edge has been applied by screen-printing. Because the knitted part of the footlet according to the invention is manufactured on an apparatus for reciprocating knitting, during knitting augmenting and diminishing the number of stitches in order to form for example a toe part and/of a heel part, the knitted part can not be placed plainly and the method known from KR101599276B1 is not applicable on footlets knitted on an apparatus for reciprocating knitting.

The elastic strip can have each desired width as a result of which the pressure on the foot can easily be spread so that the footlet is comfortable around the foot in case of relatively large feet as well as relatively small feet. As a result of the relatively large width of the elastic strip undesired curling up is prevented easily. Because of the adhesive no stitch seams are needed for attaching the elastic strip to the knitted part.

It is noted that from WO2016058864 a footlet is known that is provided in the heel part and the toe part from an elastic strip, only the heel part being provided with the anti-slip element. Because the knitted heel part is not cut off, letting coincide the lateral side of the anti-slip element with the lateral side of the edge of the heel part is relatively complicated. The risk exists that the part of the knitted part that extends above the anti-slip part, curls around the anti-slip part.

It is noted that from KR1020130042718A a sock is known that is composed of a bottom part and a belt shaped upper part. The bottom part and the belt shaped part are cut out in the desired final form. Thereafter the elastic strap is applied. Subsequently ends of the belt shaped part are attached to each other. This sock does not comprise a part manufactured on a knitting machine for reciprocating knitting that comprises an edge limited by a ring-shaped opening. Furthermore by this sock the belt shaped party is not cut off during applying of the elastic strip.

An embodiment of the footlet according to the invention is characterized in that the knitted part comprises a heel part, a toe part and a middle part located between the heel part and the toe part, which middle part comprises sides extending on both sides between the heel part and the toe part, the edge limiting the opening comprises an edge of the toe part, edges of both lateral sides of the middle part and an edge of the heel part.

In case of such a footlet the edge rests against the back of the heel and on the foot. The size of the opening depends upon the form of the shoe in which the footlet is worn. The footlet is preferred to be almost not visible when wearing the accompanying shoes. In case of shoes like sneakers the footlet can almost cover the entire upper side and the opening is smaller than in case of footlets to be worn in open shoes like ballerinas.

Another embodiment of the footlet according to the invention is characterized in that the elastic strip extends almost along the entire edge of the toe part, the middle part and the heel part of the knitted part.

Because the elastic strip extends almost along the entire edge of the knitted part, the force on the foot that is exercised by the elastic strip is spread over almost the entire circumference of the footlet. Furthermore the elastic strip along almost the entire edge of the knitted part makes it look finished appearance.

Another embodiment of the footlet according to the invention is characterized in that the knitted part comprises a toe part, the edge limiting the opening comprising a circular edge of the toe part.

Such a footlet only covers the toes and a small part of the end of the foot. The tendency of such footlets to shift off the foot, is effectively prevented by the elastic tape.

Another embodiment of the footlet according to the invention is characterized in that the knitted part is knitted seamlessly.

Because the knitted part is seamless and the elastic tape is attached to the knitted part by an adhesive, de entire footlet is seamless. As a result undesired pressure marks are prevented easily. Furthermore the number of processes that is needed for manufacturing the footlet is minimal as a result of this because the knitted part is knitted as a whole seamlessly, after which subsequently the elastic tape is applied in one single manufacturing step and cut off together with the footlet.

Another embodiment of the footlet according to the invention is characterized in that ends of the elastic strip overlap and are attached to each other by an adhesive.

In this way the elastic strip extends as an endless strip along the entire circumference of the knitted part and forms a finished appearance. Furthermore the endless elastic strip makes that the force on the foot is spread equally.

Another embodiment of the footlet according to the invention is characterized in that the elastic strip is manufactured of a material, which material itself comprises anti-slip features.

Because the material itself comprises anti-slip features, that is that it has features that sliding of the material over the foot is easily prevented or hindered, the force on the foot that by amplifying of the elastic strip can be relatively little, which increases the comfort to wear. The anti-slip features easily prevent the undesired shifting off the foot of the footlet is. If the elastic strip extends almost around the entire edge or around the entire edge of the knitted part, along the entire edge the footlet can not shift off the foot.

If the material of the elastic strip is manufactured of a material, that itself has no anti-slip features, the preventing the footlet from shifting off the foot has to be performed entirely by the stretch features of the elastic strip, the footlet with a stretched elastic strip laying against the foot.

Another embodiment of the footlet according to the invention is characterized in that the material comprises silicones. Silicones can easily be applied, in a relatively small tape, in any desired width as an elastic strip on the footlet.

Another embodiment of the footlet according to the invention is characterized in that the elastic strip is applied to the knitted part by hot-melt as an adhesive.

With hot-melt the elastic strip can be attached to the knitted part quickly and firmly.

Another embodiment of the footlet according to the invention is characterized in that the elastic strip has a width of 5-15 millimetres, preferably 5-10 millimetres and even more preferably about 5 millimetres.

Such a width ensures a good spread of the force on the foot, a good anti-slip effect and a good comfort of wear.

Another embodiment of the footlet according to the invention is characterized in that the elastic strip is provided with passages.

Such passages serve as ventilation by the elastic strip manufactured for example from silicones. Such passages are particularly suitable if the material of the elastic strip itself is not sufficient ventilating for transpiration of the foot of the person that wears the footlet.

The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a footlet, an apparatus for reciprocating knitting manufacturing a knitted part that comprises an ring-shaped opening limited by an edge and an elastic strip extending along the edge of the opening, the elastic strip comprising an elastic tape, which elastic tape is attached to an edge of the knitted part with an adhesive and the knitted part along the edge of the ring-shaped opening during applying of the elastic strip is cut off at least partly so that a lateral side of the elastic strip almost coincides with a lateral side of the edge of the ring-shaped opening.

Attaching the elastic strip with an adhesive to the edge of the knitted part is relatively simple, cutting off the knitted part can easily be performed immediately before, during or immediately after applying the elastic tape. By cutting off the knitted part during applying of the elastic strip on the edge of the ring-shaped opening, the elastic strip can be applied at the same time that the knitted part will be cut off along the edge in one apparatus. Thereby the elastic strip is quickly and accurately applied.

Because the lateral side of the edge and the lateral side of the elastic strip almost coincide a finished appearance is obtained, preventing the falling apart of the knitted part along the edge by the elastic strip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be explained with the figure, in which

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the footlet according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail III of an edge of the footlet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the footlet of FIG. 1 applied around the foot of a person;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the footlet according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the footlet according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the footlet according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the footlet according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the footlet according to the invention.

Corresponding parts have been given the same reference numerals in the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a footlet 1 according to the invention provided with a knitted part 2 and an elastic strip 3. The knitted part 2 is manufactured by an apparatus for reciprocating knitting by only reciprocating knitting. As a result a seamless knitted part 2 is obtained. The seamless knitted part 2 is provided with a heel part 4, a middle part 6 connected by knitting formed lines 5 with heel part 4 and a toe part 8 connected by knitting formed lines 7 with the middle part 6. By increasing and diminishing during reciprocating knitting the desired form of the knitted part 2 can be obtained. The middle part 6 comprises sides 9, 10 extending on both sides between the heel part 4 and the toe part 6. The sides 9, 10 are attached to each other by the sides 11, 12 of the heel part 4 and the toe part 8. After manufacturing of the seamlessly knitted part 2, an elastic tape 14 is attached with an adhesive along the four sides 9-12, a first end 15 extending further than a second end 16 so that the ends 15, 16 overlap over a part 17. The ends 15, 16 are attached to each other with the same adhesive as with which the elastic tape 14 is attached to the seamlessly knitted part 2. Preferably during attaching the elastic tape 14 with the adhesive the seamlessly knitted part 2 is cut off along an external lateral side 18 of the elastic tape 14 so that the lateral side 18 of the elastic tape 14 coincides with the seamlessly knitted part 2 formed by the sides 9-12. One can use one single apparatus with which the elastic strip can be applied as well as at the same time the knitted part can be cut off along the edge. The lateral side 18 limits an opening 19 through which a foot in the footlet 1 can be inserted. This is clearly visible in FIG. 2. In this FIG. 2 it is also clearly visible that with this the knitted part is cut. Because the elastic tape 14 is attached to the seamlessly knitted part 2 with adhesive, falling apart and/or unravelling is easily prevented. The elastic tape 14 is for example is wrapped on a roller and already provided with adhesive so that by unwinding the elastic tape 14 off the roller the side provided with adhesive can be pressed directly against the knitted part 2. The elastic tape 14 is preferably attached by hot-melt as adhesive to the seamlessly knitted part 2. Herewith the knitted part 2 is preferably turned inside out so that the elastic tape 14 van easily be attached to the side turned to the outside, while the side turned to the inside is supported by a work table. Herewith the elastic tape 14 van be pressed firmly against the side turned to the outside and at the same time the knitted part 2 and if desirable also the elastic tape 14 can be cut at the desired width. Furthermore the formed footlet 1 according to the invention will be turned back so that the formed elastic strip 3 is on the inner side of the footlet 1 that is turned to the foot 21.

The elastic tape 14 attached to the seamlessly knitted part 2 forms the elastic strip 3 of the footlet. The endless elastic strip 3 has a width B of 5-15 millimetres, preferably 5-10 millimetres and even more preferably about 5 millimetres. The thickness of the elastic strip 3 is relatively thin, for example 0.05-0.5 preferably about 0.1 millimetre, as a result of which there is no pinching between the foot 21, the elastic strip 3 of the footlet 1 and the shoe around. Comparatively, the thickness of an elastic strip knitted to the knitted part of the footlet according to the state of art is 1-2 millimetres.

FIG. 3 shows a foot 21 of a person that is provided with the footlet 1 of FIG. 1. The heel part 4 herewith lies around the heel of the foot 21. The toe part 8 lies herewith over the toes of the foot 21. The middle part 6 extends with a bottom part 22 over the lower part of the foot 21 en extends with lateral parts 23, 24 along the lateral sides of the foot 21.

The elastic strip 3 lies over the full circumference of the footlet 1 against the foot 21, as a result of which a good distribution of the pressure is acquired.

The elastic strip 3 is preferably made of a material, which material itself has anti-slip features. Such a material is for example silicones.

Although it is also possible that the elastic strip tape is made of a material that has little friction with the foot 21, in which case the footlet 1 only sticks around the foot 21 because of the elastic effect of the elastic strip 3. In case of a silicon elastic strip 3 the footlet 1 needs to be stretched considerably less to guarantee enough fixation on the foot 21 than in case of an elastic tape of a material that has less friction with the foot.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of footlet 41 according to the invention. The footlet 41 comprises a seamlessly knitted part 2 and an elastic strip 43. The footlet 41 differs from the footlet 1 in that the elastic strip 43 comprises two elastic tapes 44, 45. The first tape 44 extends over a part of the side 10 of the middle part 6, the full side 11 of the heel part 4 and a part of the side 9 of the middle part 6. The second tape 45 extends over a part of the side 10 of the middle part 6, the full side 12 of the toe part 4 and a part of the side 9 of the middle part 6. Ends 46 of the first tape 44 are herewith at a distance A of a couple of millimetres of ends 47 of the second tape 45.

The elastic tapes 44, 45 are provided with passages 48 for ventilation of the skin of the foot 21. Furthermore diminish these passages 48 the needed amount of material of the elastic strips 44, 45. The shape of the passages 48 can be arbitrary.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the third embodiment of a footlet 51 according to the invention. The footlet 51 comprises a seamlessly knitted part 52 and an elastic strip 53. The seamlessly knitted part 52 comprises a heel part 54, a middle part 56 connected by knitting formed line 55 with heel part 54 and a toe part 58 connected by knitting formed line 57 with the middle part 56. The toe part 58 is considerably longer than the heel part 54. Furthermore the opening 59 limited by the elastic strip 53 is considerably smaller than the opening 19 limited by the elastic tape 14 of the footlet 1. The footlet 51 is suitable for wearing in for example sneakers while the footlet 1 is suitable for wearing in ballerinas. When wearing footlet 1 in sneakers a part of the upper side of the foot that lies bare touches the inner side of the sneaker, what will be experienced as unpleasant. When wearing the footlet 51 in ballerinas, the upper side of the toe part 58 of the footlet 51 is visible, what will be experienced as undesired. The footlet 51 differs further from the footlet 1 in that the elastic strip 53 comprises two concentric elastic tapes 60, 61, that are at a distance C of each other. The elastic tapes 60, 61 are for example as wide as the distance C. The distance C is for example 3-5 millimetres.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a footlet 71 according to the invention. The footlet 71 comprises a knitted part 72 and an elastic strip 73. The knitted part 72 comprises a heel part 74, a middle part 76 connected by knitting formed lines 75 with heel part 74 that is tubular at a side turned away from the heel part 74. By cutting off the tubular part 78 partially folding double and a stitch processing a toe part 79 is formed that through a seam 80 is connected to the tubular part 78. The elastic strip 73 is as well as the footlet 1 provided with an elastic tape 14 that is attached to the knitted part 52 with an adhesive.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a footlet 81 according to the invention. The footlet 81 comprises a knitted part 82 and an elastic strip 83. The elastic strip 83 limits an opening 84 in which only the anterior part of the foot, comprising the toes and a small abutting part, can be put. The elastic strip 83 that extends along the entire circumference of the opening 84 is attached to the part 82 preferably seamlessly knitted en cut off around. The knitted part 82 comprises an anterior knitted part 85 that by knitting formed lines 86 is attached to a posterior knitted part 87.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a footlet 91 according to the invention, that differs from the footlet 81 in that the footlet 91 is provided with a complementary elastic band 92 that can be fastened around the heel of a person. Thereby undesired coming off of the footlet 91 is further prevented.

In all footlets 1, 41, 51, 71, 81, 91 the knitted part is first manufactured so that the opening 19, 59, 84 is fully formed, after which along the edge of the opening the elastic strip is attached.

Of course it is also possible to provide the footlets 1, 41, 51, 71, 81, 91 with a double produced elastic strip 53 or the footlet 51 of the single elastic tape 14. It is also possible to construct the elastic tape of more than two parallel tracks.

It is also possible to for example apply extra anti-slip elements in the heel part.

The ends 15, 16 can be positioned on any position along the sides 9-12.

The heel part 4 en the toe part 8 can be produced identical leaving it to the user which part she wishes to use as heel part 4 and toe part 8. The heel part 4 and the toe part 8 can be produced differently, the heel part 4 being adapted to the shape of the heel of the foot 21 while the toe part 8 is adapted to the toes of the foot 21.

It is also possible that the elastic strip 3, 53, 73, 83, 92 is almost endless wherein the ends 15, 16 do not overlap but being at a relatively short distance apart. Also these elastic strips can be provided with passages 48.

The knitted part of the footlet 1, 41, 51, 71, 81 is knitted of fibres or yarns of cotton, polyamides, polypropyleen or another synthetic or another material or a combination thereof.

It is also possible to manufacture the knitted part of the footlet 1, 41, 51, 71, 81 not seamlessly. However this has the disadvantage that herewith seams are inevitable.

The material with anti-slip features is for example silicones that are sold for example by CHT, Dow Corning, Alpina or other companies, for example in the name of Alpatec. It is also possible to use other materials than silicones with anti-slip features, for example PVC, silicones free Faitplast With Me etc.

It is possible to apply the anti-slip material transparent or in a desired colour.

Instead of hot-melt also another adhesive can be applied. The cutting off can be performed with a cutting tool or laser.

LIST WITH REFERENCE SIGNS

-   1 footlet -   2 knitted part -   3 elastic strip -   4 heel part -   5 lines -   6 middle part -   7 lines -   8 toe part -   9 side -   10 side -   11 side -   12 side -   14 elastic tape -   15 end -   16 end -   17 part -   18 lateral side -   19 opening -   20 foot -   22 bottom part -   23 lateral part -   24 lateral part -   41 footlet -   43 elastic strip -   44 tape -   45 tape -   46 ends -   47 ends -   48 passage -   51 footlet -   52 knitted part -   53 elastic strip -   54 heel part -   55 line -   56 middle part -   57 lines -   58 toe part -   59 opening -   60 tape -   61 tape -   71 footlet -   72 knitted part -   73 elastic strip -   74 heel part -   75 lines -   76 middle part -   78 tubular part -   79 toe part -   81 footlet -   82 knitted part -   83 elastic strip -   84 opening -   85 anterior knitted part -   91 footlet -   92 elastic band -   A distance -   B distance -   C distance 

1. A footlet provided with a part manufactured on an apparatus for reciprocating knitting by knitting that comprises a ring-shaped opening limited by an edge and an elastic strip extending along the edge of the opening, wherein the elastic strip comprises an elastic tape attached to the edge of the knitted part by an adhesive, the knitted part during applying of the elastic strip being cut off at least partly along the edge of the ring-shaped opening so that a lateral side of the elastic strip almost coincides with a lateral side of the edge of the ring-shaped opening.
 2. The footlet of claim 1, wherein the knitted part comprises a heel part, a toe part and a middle part located between the heel part and the toe part, which middle part comprises sides extending on both sides between the heel part and the toe part, the edge limiting the opening comprises an edge of the toe part, edges of both lateral sides of the middle part and an edge of the heel part.
 3. The footlet of claim 2, wherein the elastic strap extends almost along the entire edge of the toe part, middle part and the heel part of the knitted part.
 4. The footlet of claim 1, wherein the knitted part comprises a toe part, the edge limiting the opening comprising a circular edge of the toe part.
 5. The footlet of claim 2, wherein the knitted part is knitted seamlessly.
 6. The footlet of claim 2, wherein ends of the elastic strip overlap and are attached to each other with an adhesive.
 7. The footlet of claim 1, wherein the elastic strip is manufactured of a material, which material itself comprises anti-slip features.
 8. The footlet of claim 7, wherein the material comprises silicones.
 9. The footlet of claim 2, wherein the elastic strip is attached to the knitted part by hot-melt as adhesive.
 10. The footlet of claim 2, wherein the elastic strip has a width of 5-15 millimetres, preferably 5-10 millimetres and even more preferably about 5 millimetres.
 11. The footlet of claim 1, wherein the elastic strip is provided with passages.
 12. A method for manufacturing a footlet according to claim 1, a knitted part being manufactured with an apparatus for reciprocating knitting, which knitted part comprises a ring-shaped opening limited by an edge and an elastic strip extending along the edge of the opening, wherein the elastic strip comprises an elastic tape, which elastic tape is attached to an edge of the knitted part with an adhesive and the knitted part along the edge of the ring-shaped opening during applying of the elastic strip is cut off at least partly so that a lateral side of the elastic strip almost coincides with a lateral side of the edge of the ring-shaped opening.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the knitted part is knitted seamlessly.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein ends of the elastic strip overlap and are attached to each other with an adhesive.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the elastic strip is attached at the knitted part by holt-melt as adhesive. 